Top Hill Recording Podcast

From the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, the Insatiable Digs brings a soulful fusion of R&B, funk, blues, and rock that transports listeners back to the golden eras of music. Drawing from their collective influences, the group pulses with soulful grooves and heartfelt lyricism, showcasing a signature style that has quickly built a fanbase in the Louisville music scene. Led by the soul-stirring voice of frontman Jeff Ivory, Insatiable Digs is on a mission: to ignite a dance revolution that transcends time and genre. With each electrifying performance, they captivate audiences, infusing every note with an infectious energy that's impossible to resist. For Insatiable Digs, it's not just about making music – it's about creating unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impression. So, get ready to groove and let the irresistible sounds of Insatiable Digs sweep you off your feet and onto the dance floor.

Introducing Marygolds, the throwback four-piece indie band from the vibrant music scene of Louisville, Kentucky. Formed with a shared passion for raw, soulful soundscapes, Marygolds burst onto the scene with their debut self-titled EP in August of 2023, setting ears ablaze with a five-track record infused with heart, soul, and unapologetic grit. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of genres including indie garage rock, blues, folk, old soul, Americana, classic rock, and the raw energy of early 90's grunge, Marygolds craft a sound that's as diverse as it is captivating. Their music resonates with a timeless quality, weaving together nostalgic melodies and modern sensibilities. With heartfelt lyrics, Marygolds deliver their message with conviction, belting out soul-stirring tales over the warm hum of tube amps. Backed by a fat and tight rhythm section, their music pulses with an infectious energy. Whether you're a lover or a fighter, Marygolds have something for you. Their music speaks to the depths of the human experience, tapping into emotions with honesty and vulnerability. Brace yourself for a journey through the highs and lows of life, as Marygolds take you on a sonic adventure that's sure to hit you right in the feels.

Making his start in a small town of Southern Florida, Colton began writing music that featured mature and fully developed stories. As a seasoned pianist and performer, he's been a part of shows opening for the Eli Young Band, Chris Jansen, and Ian Munsick, among others. Blending elements of Country, Blues, Alternative, and Pop, his goal is to create a diverse portfolio of songs that address points of view not commonly mentioned in today's writing rooms. His move to Nashville has emphasized his commitment to developing meaningful music, a passion he's carried with him his entire life. He's since established himself in Nashville as a dynamic artist and musician with an electric stage presence, playing at renowned venues across town. He recently released his first single Magnolia which is currently available on all streaming services.

Jay Williams, a creative force in the music world, calls Louisville, Kentucky, home while currently residing in Indiana. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, Jay's artistry knows no bounds, blending genres with finesse and innovation. With a penchant for pop fusion and hyper pop, Jay brings a fresh perspective to the music scene, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing melodies and infectious energy. Top Hill Recording first met Jay as the keys player for Elements of Sound (Episode 195), where his piano is a cornerstone of the group's sound. Stepping into the spotlight, Jay Williams has unleashed his creative vision, fusing his love for pop with experimental production techniques. The result is a sonic tapestry that defies convention, blending lush piano arrangements with pulsating beats and avant-garde textures. Jay invites listeners to join him on a journey of sonic exploration, promising an exhilarating musical experience.

Having witnessed Bedford's evolution firsthand, from their inception as a tight-knit four-piece to their current incarnation as a trio, it's evident that the bond between best friends Tristian Frazier and Samuel May forms the very heart of their music. For over 15 years, they've woven melodies and lyrics together, creating a tapestry of sound that reflects their enduring friendship and shared musical vision. The latest chapter in their story sees the addition of guitarist Colin Michael, expanding Bedford's sonic landscape and infusing their music with newfound depth and dynamism. Last appearing on Top Hill Recording Podcast as a four-piece band, Bedford now stands as a trio, ready to embark on a new phase of their journey. Blending soulful vocals, rhythmic finesse, and electrifying instrumental prowess, Bedford's sound is a testament to their collective individual musical talents. Their music resonates with the timeless allure of rock while embracing growth and evolution, mirroring the enduring bond that binds them together. With a foundation as solid as the bedrock of Kentucky limestone, Bedford is poised to carve out their own distinctive niche in the musical landscape, inviting audiences to join them on a journey fueled by friendship, creativity, and unwavering passion.

Earl Bowman may be new to Louisville’s music scene but he’s working hard to make a name for himself. Earl has had the chance to open shows for Logan Halstead, and Riley Downing, and has appeared on playlists by GemsOnVHS, Americana Highways, and The Alt-Country Show. Earl is also the co-host of the Top Hill Recording Podcast.

Emily Jamerson, the soulful songbird hailing from the enchanting hills of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, embodies the essence of Appalachian spirit in her music. Emily's journey into the world of melodies is nurtured by the rich musical heritage of her surroundings and the harmonies of her musical family. Her voice, molded by the rugged beauty of eastern Kentucky, echoes the whispers of the mountains and the stories of generations past. A blend of folk singer and mountain siren, Emily's enchanting melodies draw listeners into a realm where time seems to stand still, and the essence of the Appalachians comes alive. In her songs, Emily weaves tales of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of her mountain home. Each lyric is a testament of hope amidst life's trials and tribulations. With every strum of her guitar and every note that escapes her lips, Emily invites you to embark on a journey through the heart of Appalachia, where the mountains sing their secrets and the rivers whisper tales of old. Through her music, she leaves an indelible mark on the souls of all who listen.

From the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, Shane Spader is a versatile musician with a penchant for serene mornings on the water, crafting artisanal bread, and weaving heartfelt melodies on his trusty acoustic guitar. Blending elements of folk, soft rock, and a touch of vintage country, his music embodies the essence of a true singer-songwriter. With soothing vocals and infectious melodies, Shane's compositions offer an easy-listening experience that invites listeners to tap their feet in harmony.

Joe Piano is a folk trio from Louisville, Kentucky, anchored by the musical prowess of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Weber-Owens. Joining Jesse are fellow multi-instrumentalist Jean Christopher-Gorce and Louisville Orchestra violist Jon "Jonny" Mueller. Jesse's musical journey began at the age of nine when he discovered his perfect pitch and keen ear while learning the guitar. Since then, his appetite for musical exploration has known no bounds, leading him to master a diverse array of instruments, including the cello, banjo, mandolin, and piano. Joe Piano initially served as Jesse's solo project and a means of navigating life with hallucinatory schizophrenia. Despite grappling with schizophrenia and other mental health challenges, Jesse's passion for music remains undiminished, serving as both a driving force and a wellspring of creativity. With a staggering collection of unreleased tracks numbering in the hundreds and a catalog of over a thousand songs, Jesse often finds himself hallucinating melodies before transcribing them to paper. Transitioning towards a more collaborative, band-oriented approach to his music, Jesse has retired his solo identity as Joe Piano while retaining the name for the trio. At the core of Jesse's music lies a palpable sincerity, with his lyrics and melodies offering a window into his world. He generously invites listeners to explore his reality in their own personal way, guided by an unwavering authenticity emanating from the depths of his being.

Bradley McKinney, a skilled piano and saxophone artist based in Louisville, Kentucky, draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres such as rock & roll, jazz, hip-hop, blues, country, and classical music. His musical journey commenced at the age of 7 when he started playing the piano, and a few years later, he embarked on saxophone lessons. Throughout his high school years, Bradley showcased his musical prowess in various settings, participating in Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Concert and Symphonic Bands, as well as contributing to his district's KMEA and All County programs. Upon graduating from high school, Bradley pursued his passion for jazz music and history at The University of Louisville (UofL). During his time at UofL, he engaged in diverse musical experiences, playing in the school's Marching Band, Jazz Ensembles, and various small jazz combos. Notable performances included collaborations with acclaimed musicians like Adam Nussbaum and Doc Severinsen. Bradley further enriched his musical education by studying in Bogota, Colombia, and attending Master Classes conducted by Bill Evans, David Becker, Mark Colby, and Don Braden. During this period, Bradley began making a name for himself as both a saxophone player and a solo pianist, captivating audiences in and around the Louisville area. Following his graduation from the Music School at UofL, he became the keyboard player for the Adrian Taylor Band and briefly contributed to Louisville's Grateful Dead cover band, Shiny and the Breeze. Currently, Bradley serves as the keyboard player for TOP SHELF in Louisville. Beyond his band engagements, Bradley continues to thrive as a solo pianist, enchanting audiences at prestigious venues including French Lick and West Baden Springs in Indiana, as well as The Seelbach Hotel, The Pandennis Club, and The Omni Hotel in Louisville.

Discover the origins of Limestone, which started in 2016 as an unnamed musical experiment by InSub Beckley and Jeff Westenhofer. With no specific goal other than bringing musicians together to see what magic would unfold, the indie rock project officially took on the name Limestone in November 2017. Join us on this podcast journey as we unravel the band's musical evolution. In the band's early days as a rock quartet, Limestone crafted a sound rooted in alt-rock, drawing inspiration from blues and punk. Their initial rock quartet phase resulted in the singles "Changing Ways" (December 2019) and "Never No Problem" (September 2021). Since 2022, the addition of violin and trumpet has transformed Limestone into a dynamic 6-piece ensemble, steering their sound towards lush pop with hints of folk and brass band influences. Dive into the band's journey of songwriting, culminating in their inaugural public performance in Louisville, Kentucky in December 2017. Join us as we unravel the rich tapestry of Limestone's musical narrative, from humble beginnings to the vibrant soundscape they've become today.

Welcome to the world of Taylor Katherine, a captivating singer/songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor's journey began with a strong foundation as a classically trained vocalist, honing her skills at Georgetown College in Kentucky. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Taylor made her move to Louisville in 2018, immersing herself in the vibrant local music scene. Her musical pursuits took an unexpected turn when the pandemic hit, leading to a loss of her service industry job. In the midst of uncertainty, Taylor found solace in learning to play ukulele and delving into the world of songwriting. Taylor Katherine's resilience and creativity bore fruit as she crafted her own songs, using her unique perspective to address both the beautiful and not-so-beautiful facets of life. Her music, a poignant reflection of universal experiences, quickly resonated with audiences. Taylor's soulful voice and relatable songwriting became a beacon of connection during challenging times. Adding another layer to her artistic journey, Taylor joined forces with Eric Condon and Richard Chandler to form the Taylor Katherine Trio. Together, they bring a dynamic fusion of talent that enhances Taylor's distinctive sound. In the heart of Kentucky, Taylor Katherine is swiftly gaining attention and amassing a dedicated fanbase. Her ability to encapsulate the essence of life's highs and lows in her music makes her a rising star in the regional music scene. Join us on a melodic adventure as we explore the enchanting world of the Taylor Katherine Trio.

Celebrate with us as we hit a major milestone in the world of music discovery and intimate live performances! Welcome to the 200th episode of the Top Hill Recording Podcast, where every note is a testament to raw talent and genuine artistry. From our humble beginnings in a bedroom that evolved into Top Hill Recording Studio, hosts Brad Weston and Neil Johnstone have been on a journey to spotlight extraordinary musicians. Nestled atop a picturesque hill in the heart of the Jefferson Memorial Forest in Fairdale, Kentucky, Top Hill Recording Studio is not just a place; it's a haven for creativity. The mission? To provide a high-quality public platform for showcasing the remarkable talents of musicians. After the soul-stirring, live, one mic, one take performances, Brad and Neil dive deep into the creative minds of their guests with insightful interviews. Learn about the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs behind the music. Join our music-loving community as the Top Hill Recording team (Brad Weston, Neil Johnstone, Brent West, Earl Bowman, and Spencer Corbin) marks this incredible milestone. Our community is a haven for artists who share a passion for musical expression. Join us on YouTube for "One Shot One Mic One Song", where each artist lays it all on the line, performing original live songs with just one microphone, in one take. Our weekly podcast is published everywhere you listen at noon eastern time every Friday. Thank you for being a part of this musical journey since our launch in December 2019. Here's to 200 episodes, countless unforgettable performances, and the limitless power of a single microphone capturing the essence of each song, each artist, in one beautiful take. Tune in to the 200th episode and experience the magic of Top Hill Recording – where every episode is a testament to the boundless creativity that thrives in the heart of our region.

Trevor and Trenton Jenkins, collectively known as The Jenkin Twins, hail from Irvine, Kentucky and have dedicated years to crafting a sort of "Cosmic Americana" that nods to contemporary indie while paying homage to golden-age pioneers like Bruce Springsteen, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and Roy Orbison.

Top Hill sits down with Mark Roberts of The Monarch in Louisville, Kentucky. The Monarch stands as a nonprofit nexus for creativity, a social haven, and a valuable resource center nestled in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. It serves as a dynamic community hub, embracing artists, musicians, and music enthusiasts alike. The one-of-a-kind co-working venue and intimate listening room form a secure haven where musicians can not only craft, collaborate, and showcase their talents but also foster personal and artistic growth. Providing writing spaces, rehearsal areas, and performance venues, along with communal tools of the trade, the Monarch extends assistance programs to bolster the local artistic community. Dedicated artist members and patron supporters are forging a resilient, interconnected, and lively creative network. The tangible manifestation is a welcoming space offering artist members convenient, at-will key-card entry into an atmosphere charged with creative vigor, fueled by the presence of like-minded peers and patrons. The Monarch community shares a common passion for original music and the creators behind it. Both artist and patron members gain entry to some of the most enchanting musical experiences the city has to offer. Louisville boasts an extraordinary wealth of musical talent, and The Monarch plays a pivotal role in amplifying the city's sonic landscape. By facilitating connections between artists and the audiences that propel their growth, the Monarch contributes immensely to the harmonious resonance of Louisville, Kentucky.

Sydney Sleadd is a singer/songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. She has been writing and performing on and off since 2011 and was formerly known as "Alabama Brown" before deciding to switch from a stage name to her real name. She released one EP under Alabama Brown in 2012, and another under Sydney Sleadd in 2016. She released 2 new singles and is back in the studio working on a full length album.

Sydney is a self-taught musician who first learned piano as a child and then guitar in her early 20's. She started writing songs in her teen years as a way to process difficult emotions and make sense of the world around her. She has a storytelling style of writing, and her songs range from diary entries to musings about life. Her music is hard to classify in a single genre as she weaves folk, grunge, soul, and outlaw country throughout her discography. She is known for her clever lyrics, unique playing style, and powerhouse vocals. Sydney has been featured in Louisville Music News, on Great Day Live, and Cumberland Country Music. She hosted a "Ladies of Louisville" music in the round at Lettersong for 2 years bringing lesser known local female artists into the spotlight. She has played at many prominent local venues including ZanzaBar, Hard Rock Cafe, the Rudyard Kipling, Odeon, and opened for Lydia Loveless at Uncle Slayton's. She  performed at The Moon and Stars Festival for her second year and recently opened for Australian band "MANE" at The Monarch.

Hailing from Southern Indiana, Elements of Sound draws inspiration from rock, folk, pop, blues and hip hop. Justin Miller started with acoustic guitar and beat boxing in Louisville, Kentucky before moving to looping and becoming a multi-instrumentalist. This lineup of Elements consist of Justin Miller on guitar and lead vocals, Noel Calilung on bass guitar, Nate King on drums, Jared Burch on keys, Good Time Charlie Dixon on djembe, and Lance Oliphant on guitar. Elements of Sound often joins forces with other local bands and talent in the Kentuckiana area, contributing to a rich collaborative culture among the local music community. Since 2017, the Elements of Sound have been cutting their teeth at grassroots festivals, events and weekly bar shows. You can catch them nearly every weekend in the Louisville and Southern Indiana area.

Boozer brews their brand of party from Makus Holler, Kentucky. The group formed in 2003 and has shared the stage with a long list of well-known musicians. Boozer has been labeled as "Alcoholic Rock". Members are: Big Al - Lead Drinker Fender - Bass J Bird - Lead Geetar Momma - Female Vocals Jere' - Female Vocals Sailer - Skins n Rims Billiam - Percussionist The Magnificient WORM-O - Keys

Grackle is an original, Louisville, Kentucky-based rock band that formed in 2015. They have released two albums, played over 50 shows in the region, and developed a strong following based on their mesmerizing live shows. The band is defined by unique instrumentation, featuring violin/saxophone (Myra Kean) and cello (Travis Carlisle) in addition to keyboards (Steve Katsikas), bass (Mike Lankford), and Drums (Jeff Gard). Their music has been described as "proudly guitarless" as it blends elements of indie and progressive rock, modern musical theater, and classical elements into driving and careening arrangements that zig and zag without regard to boundaries and genre-restricted sensibilities.

TVLO is a Louisville, Kentucky-based original music ensemble featuring Dan Dilamarter and Gregg Rochman, supported by an evolving array of musicians to deliver an eclectic sound spanning acoustic and electric genres. The original catalog of songs are frequently “story forward”, telling tales of people and situations from history and folklore. The songs explore melodies intertwined in a mix of simple and complex chord progressions, and feature tight vocal harmonies across the entire repertoire.

The Pretty Goods are a modern Americana band from Shelbyville, Kentucky featuring textured vocal harmonies and tasteful instrumentation. The Pretty Goods is Sara Bond (vocals/fiddle), Melinda Mathis Hardin (vocals), Lewis Mathis (vocals/guitar), Brandon Bond (guitar), and Aaron Hunt (upright bass).

Since they started making music together in 2023, Cincinnati-based trio Alex Kasznel & the Board of Directors have developed a sound some call “surprisingly un-whiny,” a style they affectionately refer to as "pop punk for grownups." Their debut album Everything’s Important & Nothing Matters is available at alexkasznel.bandcamp.com, as well as all streaming platforms.

Film Delay is a Louisville-based, indie-rock band composed of "five humans and two dogs". Those five humans are Michael Sauffer, Matthew Restrepo, Corbin Wright, Levi Hammer, and Ty Griffin. The two dogs are Ty’s miniature schnauzers, Atticus & Tex. Born from a basement, like many bands, they love to play music and watch movies. As far as they’re concerned, they aim to please with some fun-loving vibes. Their new EP, Film Delay’s The Film Delay EP, is available on all your favorite streaming services!

Stuart Wicke seeks to find meaning in simple things. His songs have been described as “emotionally resonant” and “bittersweet”, striving to articulate everyday triumphs and conflicts, taking cues from Americana wordsmiths like Paul Simon, Taylor Goldsmith, and Patty Griffin. His lyrics are paired with an intimate sound which often combines indie rock, progressive rock, and jazz. His latest album “Still Life” explores relationships, friendships, and time, with attention to how the digital world influences them. Under the name Stuart Wicke Band, he has released six albums and two EPs. SWB is an ongoing recording project which started as a solo effort in 2011. Beginning in 2022, SWB is Wicke and drummer Scott Boice (also of Phourist & the Photons, Pleasure Boys).

Peyton Boling is a singer/songwriter from the small town of Mortons Gap, Kentucky. Hailing from an area known as the "Western Coalfields", he takes his experiences from growing up around drug addiction, poverty, mental illness, Bible Belters, and strip-mined land. Peyton strives to make art out of it all and whether it be positive or negative, he is fine either way. Peyton released his EP "Blau" (pronounced b̥laʊ̯, as if that helps) in August of 2022, and is currently working on a second EP. He also sings and plays guitar for the band Stone Holler out of Louisville, Kentucky.

Kathryn Brooks is a singer-songwriter originally from Louisville, Kentucky and after being "raised all over the place", returned home to Louisville to embark on her music career. Growing her music straight from her Kentucky roots, the artist got her first guitar in 5th grade when retired bluegrass musicians living outside of Bakersfield in the high desert of California began teaching bluegrass classics at her school. Kathryn started songwriting, releasing music, and playing out seriously in New York City during college. She has since continued to write music inspired by the folk, country, and blues music of the region. Louisville, Kentucky to Victorville, California; then to Kutztown, Pennsylvania, New York, New York, and back to Louisville...…with occasional co-writes with a friend in Scotland. "The hope of all this moving around is that there’s something from all these places that pours into the music no matter how subtle."

Joey Phantom is a hip hop artist and songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. Through intricate lyricism and a unique sound, Joey captivates a wide variety of listeners. With major influences from Lil Wayne, Outkast, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, Wu-Tang Clan, J. Cole, and Smino, Joey is always finding ways to create music "outside the box" and connect to his listeners. Whether it's 808-heavy lyrical rap, a smooth melodic summer jam, or a psychedelic tune with a message, Joey consistently showcases his creativity and skills with every release. Although his love for music came second-nature, his craftsmanship has been built over years of hard work and closely studying the game. The artist chose his name before his first release in 2018 because of his fascination with the paranormal and what awaits in the afterlife. Through many "heightened" experiences, Joey was able to see through everyone around him, displaying a true identity within. "Realizing that our bodies are just vessels containing our soul, we are able to see others beyond physical, religious, and racial boundaries." Joey speaks on Nipsey Hussle's quote, "We are all spiritual beings having a human experience" and he believes exactly that. "When our time comes to leave this place, we will return to our purest form, as spirits or "phantoms". If people could see everyone for who they truly are inside, the world would be a better place."

Caden Glover is a singer/songwriter from the small town of Union, West Virginia. Caden credits his father for introducing him to a variety of music growing up. Caden fell in love with bluegrass music at an early age. He started learning banjo at 13 years old and later picked up guitar. His influences include Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, The Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and James Taylor. Caden garnered quite a following while competing in American Idol Season 21. He continues to build a loyal fan base while traveling town-to-town/gig-to-gig in his van. Caden released his debut single "Appalachian Skyline" in March 2022, then followed with a six song EP titled "The Cabin Session" in November 2022.

In the words of Lifetime Beat Poet Laureate, Ron Whitehead: "Blind Feline's new Kentucky Drifter album is a rare masterpiece of original music. I drove the winding backroads of Kentucky today with Blind Feline's new CD on repeat. The best damn outlaw country, kickass rock n' roll, down and out, running from the law, lonely and blue, dangerous love, romantic groove, barroom, music hall, nightclub, stadium, wild hard living drinking drugging loving shape shifting music I have heard in ages. The album grabbed hold and kept me in a state of ecstasy for the entire trip."

A river beneath a river with an edgy sense of humor, Sara Jean Kelley is an explorer, a rescuer, naturalist, and an active member of her creative community. Born and raised by the venerable bluegrass songwriter, Irene Kelley, Sara loves wild plants and animals and music and people and has the scars and stories to prove it. Sara’s songs are conceptual, yet relatable. Her voice is timeless, yet singularly her own. And her delivery can shift, like the weather, from dark and sultry, to light-as-a-feather. A triple Scorpio, she has been compared to Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin, and Lucinda Williams, and has already shared the stage with legends such as Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. Sara studied evolutionary biology in Durango, Colorado and her first EP, The Wild explored her connection with the earth, and the soil; the relationship she has with and honor she holds for the natural world. Sara’s forthcoming EP, Black Snake is about life and death, transformation and rebirth, strength and resilience; all the things you experience in your early thirties that you wish you had known a decade earlier.

In 2004 Myers moved to Nashville to pursue a dream and quickly landed a job on Music Row with Great American Country, a cable lifestyle and music network. It was there her partnership with Sarah Trahern, now the CEO of the Country Music Association, began. Together they worked tirelessly and passionately to grow and shape the world of Country Music.

In 2014 Trahern accepted the position as CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA). Myers immediately joined her at the CMA to continue their professional partnership of over 18 years.

Myers retired from CMA in May of this year to spend more time with her family.

Myers is originally from Ridgeland, MS. A graduate of the University of Mississippi and currently lives in Franklin, TN.

With the launch of the new podcast, “McMahon on Keys,” Jeff McMahon brings his casual experience as a music professional and award-nominated keyboardist to the table for live performances and lively discussions with both established artists and those beginning to wind their way through the music industry. McMahon combines a career of concert touring (Tim McGraw, Chris Cagle), numerous hits as a studio keyboardist, (“Live Like You Were Dying,” “Real Good Man”), an Academy of Country Music award nomination, media training and a background in label operations together for what is a relaxed and authentic willingness to, as he puts it, “send the elevator back down” to those looking to travel some of the roads he knows so well. Recently, McMahon has also added “songwriter” to his resume, having penned the recent release titled “Long Gone John” with and for up-and-coming recording artist Maddye Trew, along with co-writer Troy Castellano. An accompanying music video that he is helping to produce is in the works, and more dates are being added to the calendar for his summer tour as keyboardist for country hitmaker Chris Cagle.

Drawing inspiration from artists like Lennon Stella, Gracie Abrams, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift, Lexi brings a refreshing and contemporary edge to the pop music scene. Her music seamlessly blends infectious hooks, pulsating beats, and thought-provoking lyrics, that lingers in the minds of her fans long after the music ends.

Her distinctive voice possesses a rare combination of vulnerability and versatility with lyrics that often delve into introspective themes of personal growth, love, and the complexities of the human experience. Lexi’s ability to connect with her listeners on a deeply emotional level is solidifying her reputation as an emerging pop artist who fearlessly wears her heart on her sleeve.

Anand has always had a passion for singing and songwriting. When she was just six years old, she wrote her first song entitled, “When I Wake Up.” “When I Wake Up was a song about waking up in different locations, like on the sun or on the moon,” says Lexi.

She is a student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee where she recently finished her first year of college and spent the first few weeks of summer traveling the world exploring Denmark, Italy, Geneva and Amsterdam. In 2019, Lexi was selected to attend Grammy Camp by The Recording Academy. There she studied under notable writers such as Echosmith, Andy Grammer and Jordin Sparks. As Lexi Anand continues to carve her path in the pop music realm with a desire to pursue sync for TV & Film, her star power shines brighter with each endeavor.

With an unmatched work ethic and a genuine connection with her fans, Lexi is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

With a name that hints at color and nature, Lylak makes a point to play with heart and leave the stage a bit more beautiful than they found it. The indie rock quartet, based in Lexington, Kentucky, started in 2015 as a solo project of Gideon Maki (vocals/guitar), gradually gaining members and honing their sound. The unique musical backgrounds of the members mix up an eclectic blend of influences, which is a boon for the listener. Interweaving vocals, from Maki and Elizabeth Varnado (vocals/violin/guitar), present approachable lyrics that explore the lighter and darker aspects of life and love, memory and friendship. Dynamic guitar licks catch the ear while swelling synths, moody violin, and intricate rhythms (Paul Varnado, bass/synth; Jesse Hornbeak, Drums) color the background.

Born to a British expat in Kentucky, Nick Teale combines heartfelt Americana authenticity with the eclectic musicianship of British art rockers like Peter Gabriel. He has shared the stage with Louisville's Mama Said String Band and Austin's Scott Collins, and songs from his album "Still in Limbo" have played on airwaves across Kentucky and the U.S. His new single "Angel Wings", releasing to all major outlets on August 2, 2023, draws from vintage blues, folk, country, and classic rock traditions to tell a story of isolation, generational cycles of addiction, and the bleak realities of American poverty. Fans of Sean Rowe, Rag'n'Bone Man, and Fred Eaglesmith will love this bold new single--and fans of any style of music will find something to love in Teale's back catalog!

The son of educators, grandson of laborers, Luke Trimble is a story teller capturing the life of Appalachia. A mix of bluegrass, folk, and country, Trimble’s music is made of memory - his own memory of growing up in Paintsville, Kentucky; the memory of rich cultural Appalachian history; and an instinctive Eastern Kentucky memory, passed down through family lore or, maybe, in the water that rolls in between the hills. Today, Luke resides in Lexington, Kentucky where he continues to create melodies, and write songs that describe the narrative of his roots.

Alicia New, a singer/songwriter from Frankfort, Kentucky, writes songs ranging from the soulful strains of sad love songs to light hearted playful tunes and lots of colorful tales evoking visions of magical places. An avid music lover who plays multiple instruments and percussion she loves traveling and playing music festivals! Her free spirit comes through in her captivating music. She has played with several bands and many years in a duo with Josh Alcorn, but is now performing as a solo act. She is currently making an album with Jason Simpson, bassist for Colter Wall..... her songs, his arrangements.

Drew Crawley is a songwriter/singer based in Louisville, Kentucky. His roots run back to the red soil of Oklahoma, where growing up he fell in love with the sounds of country and Americana music - the likes of John Prine and many others. Drew plays a blend of what some call Dirt-Emo (sad music on acoustic guitars) and Country Disco. Drew describes himself as a wild boy at heart who loves to party on stage, but the thing he's most passionate about in the world is writing good songs and playing them with his best friends. Drew considers the greatest gifts he's been given through music to be that of hope, recovery, and redemption. He hopes that his songs will do the same for the listener.

Earl Bowman is a 30 year old singer/songwriter from Louisville, Kentucky. He got his start at open mics around town and just began gigging in 2022. Earl's goal over that year was to do as much as he could to be taken seriously by the other great artists in the Louisville music scene. Earl recently released the final song off of his debut EP, and he is currently working in the studio on new music. Earl aims to be honest in his songwriting and open about his mental health. Music is something he's always wanted to pursue and he's had a lot fun and success following this dream over the last year.

Runaway Souls is a rock and roll band from Louisville, Kentucky comprised of long time local musicians who share a passion for vintage vibes, though the music clearly speaks of today's times. Most of the members played together in different groups over the years before gelling in the lineup of: David Thomas-vocals Darren Barker-guitar Brian Segal-guitar Donnie Bott-bass Ashley Vega-vocals Toni Carroll-vocals Woody Woodmansee-keys Jim Becker-drums Before the pandemic, they performed as a cover band. However, given the time, circumstances, and inspiration a new original sound emerged. A sound that blended their love for big guitars, soaring harmonies, some jammy outros, with tinges of tones from their influences. What started as one song for local radio, "Shelter with You" opened the door for more. One song led to another and eventually the Karma Delivery album was born. Resilience is a recurring theme on the album, with many songs dealing with the times that were and the additional challenges that presented themselves. Runaway Souls is performing live and continuing to write new material for a follow up record.

Sofia Lynch is on a mission to put her most vulnerable feelings into words, and share it with anyone who will listen. 

At age 21, armed with her intimate lyrics and penchant for pop excellence, she has worked with two Grammy award-winning producers (Thomas Scott Hoffman and Femke Weidema-Reynolds), recorded at the internationally renowned Blackbird Studios, and inked a sync licensing deal with UK-based publishing group, Cream Collective. 

Lynch, born to two manufacturing engineers, began her career in music at just five years old when she sang the National Anthem at a regional teacher’s conference. After performing in community theater for several years, she learned how to play guitar when she was nine years old, writing over fifty songs before she turned ten. At 12, Sofia played her first paid show at a bar in her hometown, which got her started performing at many other local venues.

She released her first EP, In My Mind, at 14 years old, and dropped her first album, Lately, in 2020. It quickly amassed over 50,000 streams on digital platforms, with one of her songs amassing millions of plays on the popular social app, TikTok. 

Lynch credits her unique melancholy pop sound as being influenced by other “sad girls,” gushing about her favorite songwriters like Phoebe Bridgers, Maisie Peters, and Taylor Swift:

 “There are so many wonderful female artists today that are pushing boundaries. I think it’s important to listen to great music in order to create great music.”

After graduating from MTSU, Sofia will continue to play shows, co-write, record music, and make videos for her TikTok fans. During her free time, Sofia enjoys spending quality time with her parents and two sisters, watching live performances, reading, and digging into some Chinese take-out.

Daniel Cain is a singer/songwriter from Stanford, Kentucky. He comes from a musical family. His mom sang in the choir, and his dad was a multi-instrumentalist who taught and ran a guitar shop in Daniel's hometown. Daniel loved playing guitar as a young kid but ultimately never considered playing music as anything more than a hobby. In 2020, Daniel's dad was diagnosed with what would be terminal cancer. He left Nashville for Lexington to be closer to his family. At home, he and his dad would talk music and play guitar together as a way of reconnecting. During this time, Daniel got inspired to take the stage as an artist. One open mic led to another, which led to his first gig, which led to another, which led to his first headline. Daniel's music journey has taken off, building quite a loyal following in a relatively short time.